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Definition of depopulate

depopulate

/diːˈpɑːpjəleɪt/
de · pop · u · late
Adjective:depopulated
•
Past Simple:depopulated
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Past Participle:depopulated
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Present Participle:depopulating
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depopulate Lexical Profile

depopulate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To substantially reduce the population of a region, country, or habitat, typically through migration, economic decline, famine, or disaster.

Example

"Years of severe drought and failing crops began to depopulate the rural farming valleys as residents moved to coastal cities."

2

To experience a significant decline in the number of inhabitants.

Example

"Remote mountain villages continue to depopulate as younger generations leave in search of university education and employment."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for depopulate

• Rhymes for depopulate

• Nearby Words

deployer
deployment
depoliticize
depopulate
depopulation
deport
deportable

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin depopulari ('to lay waste, pillage, or ravage'), formed from de- ('completely' or 'away') and populari ('to ravage or plunder'), derived from populus ('a people').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Depopulate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/depopulate
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